Game of Thrones Season 3 Premiere: Who Rescued Daenerys Targaryen?

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Game of Thrones Season 3, Episode 1: "Valar Dohaeris."

At the end of the Game of ThronesSeason 3 premiere (“Valar Dohaeris”), Daenerys Targaryen was rescued from death via Warlock by a man named Ser Barristan Selmy. But who is he — and why do you feel like you recognize him? Dedicated Game of Thrones fans and those who've read the A Song of Ice and Fire books already know the answer, but for those who need a refresher, we're here to help.

Ser Barristan Selmy (played by Ian McElhinney) was a secondary character in Game of Thrones Season 1. During that season he served as the head of Robert Baratheon's Kingsguard, as Jorah noted in this episode. Joffrey dismissed him from the Kingsguard in the Season 1 finale, promoting Jamie Lannister in his place. This was an insulting and infuriating move, because Kingsguard are supposed to serve in that position for life.

Several things were established about Barristan in Seasons 1 and 2. He is a great warrior — back in the day he was the best, and even in his older age he's a force to be reckoned with. If you recall, Jamie once served for him as a squire (as he described to his cousin while imprisoned in Season 2), and has great respect for him.

Barristan is also unfailing loyalty and just. Prior to serving Robert, Barristan was Kingsguard to Dany's father, Aerys II Targaryen. Now he has pledged himself to her. From everything we know about him, he's a valuable ally to have. Of course, this being Game of Thrones, you can never be 100 percent sure of anyone.